Ajax woman walking to end cancer

Betty Fitzpatrick raising money to fight women’s cancers

AJAX -- With her mother as her inspiration, Betty Fitzpatrick is getting ready to do her part to battle women’s cancers.

An Ajax resident, Ms. Fitzpatrick will be taking part in the one-day walk during the Weekend to End Women’s Cancers in Toronto on Sept. 6 and 7. Money raised goes to funding research and treatment of women’s cancers at the Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.

This year’s version is the 12th annual walk and since its inception, the event has raised more than $141 million.

Ms. Fitzpatrick’s mother was diagnosed with breast cancer last August.

“I’m doing this for my mom. Other than being there for her, there’s nothing else I can do,” Ms. Fitzpatrick said. “Other people out there are going through different cancers. It resonates with that now.”

The one-day walk is 32 kilometres, while the two-day walk is 60 km.

Ms. Fitzpatrick has been fundraising and is close to her goal of $1,250.

“Because it’s a one-day walk, you have to raise funds. I’m close to my goal, which is great,” she said, adding she’s only $200 away from her goal.

“My friends and my family have been a great support,” she said. “It’s been a great experience overall. I’m waiting to do the walk.”

She’s also been fundraising with co-workers at Morneau Shepell, doing such things as bake sales and paying to wear jeans at work.

She’s been told it’s an experience to remember.

“Actually, I’m looking forward to doing it very much.”

One in seven Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast or gynecologic cancer in their lifetime. This year in Canada, about 31,000 women will be diagnosed with breast or gynecological cancer, and more than 8,000 will die from the disease.